Few Filipino bands with certified radio hits to claim are still around these days. True Faith, with vocalist Medwin Marfil as focal point, is one among the elite, with its longevity owed primarily to a catalogue powered by heartfelt and groovily classy pop love songs.
You can name some without having to Google: “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” “Muntik Nang Maabot Ang Langit,” “Alaala,” “Sa Puso Ko,” “Kung OK Lang Sa’yo”, “Dahil Ikaw,” “Baliw,” “Ambon,” “Hi!” and “Perfect,” the band’s debut hit released 25 years ago. Yes, 2018 is a good time for the band to look back and cherish its early years of triumph.
“It feels mighty good to be still around after 25 years since ‘Perfect’s’ release. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us in any way,” said Med who rather thinks he only became the group leader because his “concerns and opinions had more weight – justifiably.”
True Faith no longer employs the classic lineup. Yet, with the main man still on board, that distinctive voice heard since “Perfect” has kept the band’s run steadily moving forward on the same old reliably passable lane. The current troop composed of Allan Elgar (lead guitar), Eugene Marfil (acoustic guitar), Macky Macaventa (bass), Jake Lumacad (keyboard) and Kaka Quisumbing (drums) is one, according to him, “absolutely solid and right-on-the-mark on the aspect of work attitude.”
The band’s 10th studio album stylishly titled “Senti-Mental” is likely to be released this summer. A new single, “Kahit Na,” will serve as the run-up to a silver anniversary concert set later this year. “Hopefully, we’ll have some of the original members of the band to jam on that show,” Med nicely noted.
The amiable frontman, who had been performing years prior to the big break, fondly recalled the circumstances that led to the band’s formation, He shared, “I was working for Fullerton Studios in 1991. Me and my mates there, Ferdie Marquez and Kiko Guevarra, jammed in our spare time and that’s how ‘Perfect’ was created. The demo of it became a hit on legendary pop radio station 99.5 RT and soon after record companies looked for us.”
True Faith, under Octo Arts, released its first album, also called “Perfect”, two years later. Model Tweetie De Leon appeared on the lead track’s music video as both Ferdie and Kiko would establish themselves as mainstream record producers after their TF stints.
Songwriting is one of Med’s strengths himself. To this he pointed out, “Writing an easy song can be peanuts but composing a great song entails a lot of heart and time.”
It sure helped that he, and naturally True Faith music, is influenced by a diverse set of iconic foreign acts, including The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Duran Duran, Everything But The Girl, and China Crisis.
Performing-wise, he seems to be finding more ways to enjoy. “I think now I’m more confident in my singing,” he jested.
With that remark, it looks like True Faith is nowhere near retiring from the gig and recording scene.